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BACKGROUND: The pituitary gland is an important endocrine organ in the body. Certain diseases can cause damage to the pituitary gland, such as pituitary adenoma and abnormal hormone secretion. Pituitary stem cells, due to their self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation potential, are expected to become a new therapeutic approach for repairing damaged pituitary glands. OBJECTIVE: To isolate and culture pituitary stem cells using the suspension cell ball culture method and identify their proliferation and differentiation ability. METHODS: Pituitary stem cells were isolated and cultured from the pituitary gland of newborn New Zealand white rabbits using the suspension cell ball culture method, and their morphological characteristics were observed. Immunofluorescence cytochemistry was used to detect the expression of pituitary stem cell markers SOX2 and Nestin. EdU labeling method was utilized to detect the proliferative ability of pituitary stem cells. After adherent and induced differentiation, the hormone levels in the culture medium were detected by ELISA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Pituitary stem cell spheres could be successfully isolated by the suspension cell ball culture method, with strong proliferative ability. Positive expression of stem cell-specific markers SOX2 and Nestin was found in the cultured cells. After induction and differentiation, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid hormone, growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin levels significantly increased in the medium (P < 0.001), with strong differentiation ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbits are routinely used as a natural model of fetal growth restriction (FGR); however, no studies have confirmed that rabbits have FGR. This study aimed to characterize the fetoplacental unit (FPU) in healthy pregnant rabbits using diffusion-weighted MRI and stereology. A secondary objective of the study was to describe the associations among findings from diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI), fetal weight measurement and histological analysis of the placenta. Pregnant rabbits underwent DW-MRI under general anesthesia on embryonic day 28 of pregnancy. MR imaging was performed at 3.0 T. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated for the fetal brain, liver, and placenta. The placenta was analyzed by stereology (volume density of trophoblasts, the maternal blood space and fetal vessels). Each fetus and placenta were weighed. Two groups of fetuses were defined according to the position in the uterine horn (Cervix group versus Ovary group). We analyzed 20 FPUs from 5 pregnant rabbits. Fetuses and placentas were significantly lighter in the Cervix group than in the Ovary group (34.7 ± 3.7 g vs. 40.2 ± 5.4 g; p = 0.02). Volume density analysis revealed that the percentage of fetal vessels, the maternal blood space and trophoblasts was not significantly affected by the position of the fetus in the uterine horn. There was no difference in ADC values according to the position of the fetus in the uterine horn, and there was no correlation between ADC values and fetal weight. The findings of a multimodal evaluation of the placenta in a rabbit model of FGR suggested is not a natural model of fetal growth restriction. • In rabbits, the fetus closest to the ovary is heavier than the one near the cervix. • It is possible to use DW-MRI to assess placental function in rabbits. • Rabbits do not appear to be a natural model for intrauterine growth restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effect of acupotomy intervention on autophagy of chondrocytes in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to determine the possible mechanisms of acupotomy to alleviate cartilage degeneration. Methods: The modified Videman method was used to construct a KOA rabbit model. After modeling, 40 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups by a random number table: control; KOA (model); KOA + acupotomy (acupotomy), and KOA + sham acupotomy (sham), 10 in each group. After a 3-week treatment course, the knee joint activity was determined by the modified Lequesne MG index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining staining was used to examine the morphological changes of chondrocytes. Autophagy of chondrocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The surface morphology of cartilage tissue was observed by scanning electron microscope. The mRNA and protein levels of AMP kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin/Unc-51 (AMPK/mTOR/ULK1) signal pathway key proteins, autophagy-related factor Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) in rabbit knee cartilage were assessed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Results: The modified Lequesne MG score of acupotomy group was significantly lower than that of model group (P<0.05). Pathological results showed that chondrocyte autophagy decreased and cartilage surface was rough in the model group, which recovered after acupotomy treatment. The mRNA expressions of AMPK, ULK1, Beclin-1 and the protein levels of p-AMPK, p-ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3 II/LC3 I were decreased in the model group, while the mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR were increased (P<0.01). However, acupotomy treatment reversed these abnormal changes (P<0.05). Conclusions: Acupotomy could effectively up-regulate the expressions of AMPK, ULK1 and Beclin1, reduce the expression of mTOR, promote autophagy, and alleviate joint degeneration. Acupotomy is a promising complementary and alternative therapy for KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rabbit is widely used as a laboratory animal in experimental models of kidney diseases. This species is also important from a veterinary perspective as a companion animal. Stereology has been accepted as an accurate approach to kidney morphometry. The objective of the present project was to provide normal quantitative stereological parameters for adult rabbit kidneys. The left kidneys of five adult male New Zealand rabbits were used. Isotropic sections were obtained using the orientation method. Total kidney volume was calculated by the Cavalieri principle. The volume fraction of the renal structures was estimated using the point counting system. The lengths of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and distal convoluted tubule (DCT) were calculated using counting frames. The total glomerular number was accounted for using the physical/fractionator technique. The mean glomerular volume was obtained by dividing the total volume of glomeruli by their total number. The total volume of rabbit kidneys calculated was 10.39 ± 1.98 cm3. The fractional volume of the kidney cortex and medulla accounted for 57.79 ± 0.65% and 42.2 ± 0.65%, respectively. The total glomerular volume was 2.18 ± 0.32% of the whole kidney. The total number of glomeruli in the rabbit kidney was estimated as 204.68 ± 12 × 103. The mean glomerular volume measured 1.07 ± 0.12 × 106 μm3. The total length of PCT and DCT was 2.96 ± 0.29 km and 1.38 ± 0.24 km, respectively. These findings can be used as a reference in experimental nephrology research and may help to expand the knowledge of nephrology in mammals by comparing with available data on humans and other species. Research Highlights: Three‐dimensional morphometry of adult rabbit kidney structures was analyzed using quantitative stereology.Total volume of kidney, fractional volume of cortex and medulla, length of renal tubules and number of nephrons were estimated.These three‐dimensional morphometrical data can be used as a reference in experimental nephrology research and may help to expand the knowledge of nephrology in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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AbstractIn the present study the concentration of selected elements in tissues of domestic rabbits and of wild brown-hares (kidneys, liver, and muscle – m. quadriceps femoris) in Slovakian habitats were determined. After mineralization the elements examined were detected using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. For rabbits, Fe in the liver was correlated with essential (Mn, Cu) (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.05; R2 = 0.96, p < 0.05 respectively) or toxic (Pb) elements (R2 = −0.93, p < 0.05). For hares, significant correlations were found between Cd and Cu or between Cd and Mn in the kidneys (R2 = −0.96, p < 0.05; R2 = 0.92, p < 0.05 respectively), which is the target organ for Cd. Higher concentrations of the elements were found in hare tissue, and this may be linked to pollution of their wild habitats. The xenobiotic elements as well as the essential elements were accumulated in the kidneys of the hares than rabbits. For liver, differences were less pronounced and significance was only for Fe and Cu. Muscle of hares was more contaminated than of rabbits for both biogenic and toxic elements. These results show that detectable concentrations of inorganic elements. These levels may be linked to contamination of the natural habitats of wild biota due to industry, traffic, agriculture, and urban sprawl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Some studies have found that local application of alendronate can promote osteogenesis, but less is reported on the process of distraction osteogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To observe the promoting effect of alendronate on rapid mandibular distraction in a rabbit model and explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Thirty-six male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into groups A, B and C (n=12 per group) after operation and rapid distraction (3- day delay period followed by 3-day distraction at 1.5 mm/12 hours). At the 1st, 3rd and 7th days of the consolidation period, animal were injected with 200 μg/kg alendronate in group A and 100 μg/kg alendronate in group B, while those in group C were treated as controls. CT scanning and dual energy X-ray bone mineral density measurement were performed at 4 and 8 weeks of the consolidation period. After the radionuclide scanning was completed at the 4th week, several animals were sacrificed and the samples were collected for western blot assay and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining. A three-point bending test was performed after the animals were sacrificed at the 8th week. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: CT results showed that bone formation in the distraction space of group B was significantly better than that in groups A and C. At the 4th week, the bone mineral density in group B was (0.092±0.010) g/cm², which was 1.26 times higher than that in group A (P < 0.001) and 1.28 times higher than that in group C (P < 0.001). At the 8th week, the bone mineral density in group B was (0.175±0.029) g/cm², which was 1.38 times higher than that in group A (P < 0.001) and 1.45 times higher than that in group C (P < 0.001). Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining showed that the number of osteoclast-like cells in group C were 2.83 times more than that in group A (P < 0.001) and 2.21 times more than that in group B (P < 0.001). The radionuclide intensity was higher in group C than in groups A and B. Western blot assay results showed that the expression of Runx2 was significantly stronger in group B than in groups A and C. The maximum biomechanical load in group B was (158.48 ± 23.21) N, which was 1.26 times higher than that in group A (P=0.007) and 1.31 times higher than that in group C (P=0.003). To conclude, the low concentration of alendronate may promote rapid distraction osteogenesis of the rabbit mandible by inhibiting osteoclast signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rabbit meat is consumed in both developing and developed countries. Intensive animal housing systems often subject animals to challenging environmental conditions, resulting in behavioral changes and the activation of stress responses at the neurological and hormonal levels, adversely affecting their health and productivity. Environmental enrichment strategies aim to mitigate these impacts by facilitating animals' adaptation to their farming environment, thereby reducing stress. This review comprehensively examines the efficacy of various environmental enrichments, whether implemented individually or in combination, in enhancing the welfare and performance of rabbits within intensive farming settings. Furthermore, this review discusses future developments and the integration of precision rabbit farming approaches aimed at further improving animal welfare. Rabbits are highly susceptible to environmental stress. Such stress, stemming from conventional housing conditions, can negatively impact well-being and productivity. Some of these negative consequences are increased susceptibility to diseases and infections and reduced growth rates and reproductive performance, as well as increased behavioral issues such as aggression. Environmental enrichment is the modification of the environment in which a domesticated animal lives in order to meet the species' behavioral needs. The objective of providing enrichment is to facilitate animals in expressing natural behaviors, thereby preventing behavioral frustration and negative affective states. Several inexpensive and safe materials can be used to enrich rabbit enclosures. This review emphasizes the significance of implementing diverse environmental enrichments to alleviate stress in rabbit farming. It summarizes their effects on animal performance and welfare while exploring potential future perspectives in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic noncommunicable diseases are a global health problem causing increased rates of mortality and sick leaves, which can be reduced by controlling dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antiobesogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties of cinnamon; therefore, its use in yogurt can help reverse the effects of these diseases. Our study aims to evaluate the effect of a microencapsulated aqueous extract of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) (MCE Cz) incorporated in a yogurt drink on metabolic syndrome (MS) in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Physicochemical, microbiological, and proximal chemical characterization; total phenol, flavonoid, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil activity quantification; intestinal bioaccessibility; sensory analysis; MS induction through diet; and treatment with 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of flavonoids contained in the MCE Cz were performed to help evaluate morphological, biochemical, and lipid peroxidation measurements in the liver and heart. The results show that the addition of MCE Cz in the yogurt modified the yogurt texture, increased its adhesiveness and firmness, and imparted a characteristic cinnamon color and biological value by providing intestinally bioaccessible antioxidants with antioxidant potential by reducing lipoperoxidation in the liver and heart after treatment. MCE Cz reduced the weight of the animals by up to 38.5% and the abdominal circumference by 29%. Biochemically, it decreased glucose levels by 24.38%, total cholesterol levels by 69.2%, triglyceride levels by 72.69%, and low-density lipoprotein levels by 89.25%; it increased high-density lipoprotein levels by 67.08%. Therefore, adding MCE Cz in doses of 5 and 10 mg of flavonoids in drinkable yogurt can be an alternative to preparing functional foods with physicochemical attributes and biological properties that can be consumed at all stages of life without undesirable effects. Moreover, it can act as a potential adjuvant in the treatment of comorbidities related to MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reveals a lack of histomorphogenesis in New Zealand white rabbit teeth. The teeth development was examined through sequential histological segments in 24 rabbits from prenatal ages (E19, E21, E23, E25, and E28), neonates (E30), and postnatal age (1 week and 2 weeks); (three animal specimens at each age stage). Rabbit teeth first appeared at 19 days of prenatal life (E19) as an ectodermal epithelial thickening on each side of the mouth opening. At E21, the bud of upper incisor tooth appeared as an epithelial bud, which composed of many condensed epithelium cells, was simply identified from the larger with less condensed vestibular lamina, and was surrounded by mesenchymal connective tissue while the lower incisor took the cap stage. At (E23), tooth regular construction is formed from enamel, dentine, and pulp cavity. Peg incisor appearance (supplementary and assistant incisors) is visible at the lingual surface of the upper major incisor. Teeth prenatal development went through successive stages like initiation, bud, cap, late bell, maturation, and crown stages. The first initiation phase of tooth formation was seen as ectodermal epithelial cell collection at (E19). Bud stage saw on upper incisor tooth, while in cap structure in lower incisor teeth at (E19). A cap-formed tooth is composed of the enamel organ and fundamentally dense mesenchymal tissue. Enamel organs are segmented into three distinct layers: the external tooth enamel epithelial, the internal tooth enamel epithelial, and finally the stellate reticular layer. The cement layer covered teeth all around on enamel on both the labial and lingual sides while not contacting the dentine on the lateral side, forming enamel space. Teeth develop consistently all through life; they have expanded enamel thickness; they are diphyodont teeth; they have two continuous dentitions; they are deciduous and perpetual, with long crown teeth and an open root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) causes significant global morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutic strategies rely on deoxycholated or liposomal forms of the polyene amphotericin B. Nystatin is also a polyene with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Treatment with systemic nystatin has been limited by toxicity, which is a consistent challenge with polyene therapeutics. One mechanism to improve the toxicity is usage of a liposomal form of the active agent. Previous data from a murine candidemia model indicated that liposomal nystatin may be an effective antifungal drug formulation. Since the rabbit model of CM is a highly predictive preclinical system for evaluating antifungal therapeutics, we tested the effectiveness of two doses of daily liposomal nystatin, 3 and 8 mg/kg in the rabbit model of CM. Treatment with liposomal nystatin in this model did not reduce the fungal burden in the cerebrospinal fluid. A subsequent clinical trial also did not find activity in a human population. These data indicate that liposomal nystatin in the current form and at the tested dosages is not an effective therapy for CM. The data provide further evidence for the predictive power of the rabbit model of CM as a vital preclinical system for testing novel antifungal therapeutics for CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major complication of total joint arthroplasty. The underlying pathogenesis often involves the formation of bacterial biofilm that protects the pathogen from both host immune responses and antibiotics. The gold standard treatment requires implant removal, a procedure that carries associated morbidity and mortality risks. Strategies to preserve the implant while treating PJI are desperately needed. Our group has developed an anti-biofilm treatment, PhotothermAA gel, which has shown complete eradication of 2-week-old mature biofilm in vitro. In this study, we tested the anti-biofilm efficacy and safety of PhotothermAA in vivo when combined with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) in a rabbit model of knee PJI. New Zealand white rabbits (n = 21) underwent knee joint arthrotomy, titanium tibial implant insertion, and inoculation with Xen36 (bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus) after capsule closure. At 2 weeks, rabbits underwent sham surgery (n = 6), DAIR (n = 6), or PhotothermAA with DAIR (n = 9) and were sacrificed 2 weeks later to measure implant biofilm burden, soft-tissue infection, and tissue necrosis. The combination of anti-biofilm PhotothermAA with DAIR significantly decreased implant biofilm coverage via scanning electron microscopy compared to DAIR alone (1.8 versus 81.0%; P <.0001). Periprosthetic soft-tissue cultures were significantly decreased in the PhotothermAA with DAIR treatment group (log reduction: Sham 1.6, DAIR 2.0, combination 5.6; P <.0001). Treatment-associated necrosis was absent via gross histology of tissue adjacent to the treatment area (P =.715). The addition of an anti-biofilm solution like PhotothermAA as a supplement to current treatments that allow implant retention may prove useful in PJI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric surgeons have faced esophageal reconstruction challenges for decades owing to a variety of congenital and acquired conditions. This work aimed to introduce a reproducible and efficient approach for creating tissue-engineered esophageal tissue using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) cultured in preconditioned mediums seeded on a sheep decellularized tunica vaginalis (DTV) scaffold for partial reconstruction of a rabbit's esophagus. DTV was performed using SDS and Triton X-100 solutions. The decellularized grafts were employed alone (DTV group) or after recellularization with BMSCs cultured for 10 days in preconditioned mediums (RTV group) for reconstructing a 3 cm segmental defect in the cervical esophagus of rabbits (n = 20) after the decellularization process was confirmed. Rabbits were observed for one month, after which they were euthanized, and the reconstructed esophagi were harvested for histological analysis. Six rabbits in the DTV group and eight rabbits in the RTV group survived until the end of the one-month study period. Despite histological examination demonstrating that both grafts completely repaired the esophageal defect, the RTV graft demonstrated a histological structure similar to that of the normal esophagus. The reconstructed esophagi in the RTV group revealed the arrangement of the different layers of the esophageal wall with the formation of newly formed blood vessels and Schwann-like cells. DTV xenograft is a novel scaffold that promotes cell adhesion and differentiation and might be effectively utilized for regenerating esophageal tissue, paving the way for future clinical trials in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small mammals are very popular companion animals, and the incidence of particular tumour types in these animals is the subject of extensive research. We carried out a retrospective and comparative analysis of the incidence of reproductive tract and mammary tumours and tumour-like lesions collected from 103 pet rabbits, 75 pet rats, 71 guinea pigs, 12 mice, 11 hamsters, eight African pygmy hedgehogs, four ferrets and two chinchillas. The results indicate that uterine tumours and tumour-like lesions are common in pet rabbits, guinea pigs and African pygmy hedgehogs. In pet rabbits, the most common uterine tumour was endometrial adenocarcinoma, while in guinea pigs benign lesions predominated (ie, leiomyoma, endometrial adenoma, cystic endometrial hyperplasia and deciduoma). Uterine tumours in African pygmy hedgehogs included adenosarcomas and endometrial polyps. Ovarian lesions were found only in guinea pigs (ovarian rete adenomas, rete cysts) and African pygmy hedgehogs (mostly granulosa cell tumours), while testicular tumours were diagnosed in pet rabbits, one pet rat and one guinea pig. Mammary tumours were common in pet rabbits, pet rats, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters and African pygmy hedgehogs. In pet rats, the most common mammary tumour was fibroadenoma, while in other animals carcinomas predominated. In guinea pigs and, to a lesser extent, in pet rats, a significant percentage of mammary tumours occurred in males. Guinea pigs seem to be predisposed to mammary tumours of ductal origin. This study describes for the first time uterine angioleiomyoma in the pet rabbit and mammary spindle cell carcinoma in the Djungarian hamster and chinchilla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of graded levels of Curcuma longa (turmeric) powder on the kits sired by dosed male and female rabbits. Twenty rabbits (16 does and 4 bucks) 7 months of age were used for this experiment. The does and bucks were assigned to four groups (A - D) of 4 does to 1 buck per group. Groups A, B and C received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of turmeric powder reconstituted in distilled water. Group D (control) received 1 ml of distilled water. Dosing was done per os daily for 30 days before the buck in each group was allowed to cohabit with the dose of the corresponding group. Gestational length, litter body weights (at birth), litter size and crown-rump lengths were all measured. There were no significant variations (p>0.05) in the gestation length of does and litter body weight in all the groups. The mean litter size in Group B does was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of Group D does. The crown-rump length of pups from does in all the turmeric-treated groups (A, B and C) were however significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of pups from Group D. The results of this study showed that at 500 mg/kg of turmeric powder, the dose had improved reproductive performance than when given at a higher dosage (1000 mg/kg) of turmeric powder per os. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hip dysplasia is an orthoedic condition where the hip joint does not develop correctly which leads to pain and discomfort in the human and canine species. To better acknowledge this condition and find new treatment modalities, a model of hip dysplasia performed in rabbits by surgically modifying the hip joint was presented. A total of seventeen rabbits were used to assess morphological changes in the hip joint using radiography and computed tomography. Our research revealed that the surgery caused significant changes in the hip joint, making it similar to the hip dysplasia seen in dogs and humans. These changes included the increased rotation of the femur and a shallower acetabulum, which are key features of hip dysplasia. This rabbit model can be used to evaluate the progress of hip dysplasia and test new treatments, which may lead to better prevention and treatment options for hip dysplasia and the improvement of the quality of life for both animals and humans affected by this condition. The present study investigates the morphometric changes in the hip joint in a surgically induced rabbit model of hip dysplasia through the sectioning of the ligamentum capitis femoris and pelvic limb immobilization. A total of seventeen rabbits were evaluated using radiographic and computed tomographic imaging to measure the following parameters: the femoral angles of anteversion and inclination, length and width indexes of the neck of the femur, and acetabular depth and ventroversion. Significant differences in femoral anteversion angle and acetabular depth were observed, particularly in the group of hip instability surgery with pelvic limb immobilization. The results have shown the influence of hip joint instability in the promotion of femoral anteversion and acetabular shallowing. These findings provide a foundation for future research on naturally occurring or experimentally induced hip dysplasia in rabbits and underscore the model's potential for studying the biomechanical and developmental aspects of hip joint disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) are usually safe; however, recent evidence suggests we need to look at potential risks in adulthood for better safety. ART techniques, like embryo vitrification, differ from natural conditions, which can potentially impact foetal development and life after birth. This study examined whether hepatic changes previously described after birth are already present in foetal livers at the end of gestation. We performed a comparison of phenotype and hepatic genome-wide mRNA expression via RNA sequencing between fresh and vitrified transferred rabbit embryos. As a result, we found phenotypic differences at 24 days of gestation, with vitrified embryos having lower foetal and liver weights and shorter body lengths. Moreover, offspring derived from vitrified embryos tended to be heavier, indicating a growth spurt in the last week of gestation. Additionally, only a total of 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected among foetus groups, some of which are known for their role in lipid metabolism and the stress and immune response. Therefore, our results suggest that vitrification and embryo transfer manipulation induce an adaptive response in embryos and foetuses, which is apparent in the hepatic tissue at the end of the gestation period. Assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) are generally considered safe; however, emerging evidence highlights the need to evaluate potential risks in adulthood to improve safety further. ART procedures like rederivation of embryos by vitrification differ from natural conditions, causing significant disparities between in vitro and in vivo embryos, affecting foetal physiology and postnatal life. This study aims to investigate whether hepatic transcriptome and metabolome changes observed postnatally are already present in foetal livers at the end of gestation. This study compared fresh and vitrified rabbit embryos, finding differences between foetuses obtained by the transfer of fresh and vitrified embryos at 24 days of gestation. Rederived embryos had reduced foetal and liver weights and crown-rump length. However, the offspring of vitrified embryos tended to be born with higher weight, showing compensatory growth in the final week of gestation (59.2 vs. 49.8 g). RNA-Seq analysis revealed 43 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the foetal liver of vitrified embryos compared to the fresh group. Notably, downregulated genes included BRAT1, CYP4A7, CYP2B4, RPL23, RPL22L1, PPILAL1, A1BG, IFGGC1, LRRC57, DIPP2, UGT2B14, IRGM1, NUTF2, MPST, and PPP1R1B, while upregulated genes included ACOT8, ERICH3, UBXN2A, METTL9, ALDH3A2, DERPC-like, NR5A2-like, AP-1, COG8, INHBE, and PLA2G4C. Overall, a functional annotation of these DEGs indicated an involvement in lipid metabolism and the stress and inflammatory process or immune response. Thus, our results suggest that vitrification and embryo transfer manipulation induce an adaptive response that can be observed in the liver during the last week of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies indicate an implication of the terminal complement complex (TCC) in disc degeneration (DD). To investigate the functional role of TCC in trauma-induced DD in vivo, the model of endplate (EP) drilling was first applied in rabbits using a C6-deficient rabbit strain in which no TCC formation was possible. In parallel the model of needle puncture was investigated. Using a minimally invasive surgical intervention, lumbar rabbit intervertebral discs (IVDs) were treated with EP drilling or needle puncture. Degenerative effects of both surgical interventions were assessed by Pfirrmann grading and T2 quantification of the IVDs based on high-resolution MRI (11.7 T), as well as radiographic determination of disc height index. Pfirrmann grading indicated significant degenerative effects after EP drilling. Contrary to our assumption, no evidence was found that the absence of TCC formation in C6-deficient rabbits reduces the development of DD compared to C6-sufficient animals. EP drilling was proven to be suitable for application in rabbits. However, results of the present study do not provide clear evidence of a central functional role of TCC within DD and suggest that TCC deposition in DD patients may be primarily considered as a marker of complement activation during DD progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMa) is an inhibitor of neuronal growth and survival which is upregulated in the damaged central nervous system following acute spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury, acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and other neuropathological conditions. Neutralization of RGMa is neuroprotective and promotes neuroplasticity in several preclinical models of neurodegeneration and injury including multiple sclerosis, AIS, and SCI. Given the limitations of current treatments for AIS due to narrow time windows to intervention (TTI), and restrictive patient selection criteria, there is significant unmet need for therapeutic agents that enable tissue survival and repair following acute ischemic damage for a broader population of stroke patients. In this preclinical study, we evaluated whether elezanumab, a human anti-RGMa monoclonal antibody, could improve neuromotor function and modulate neuroinflammatory cell activation following AIS with delayed intervention times up to 24 h using a rabbit embolic permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model (pMCAO). In two replicate 28-day pMCAO studies, weekly intravenous infusions of elezanumab, over a range of doses and TTIs of 6 and 24 h after stroke, significantly improved neuromotor function in both pMCAO studies when first administered 6 h after stroke. All elezanumab treatment groups, including the 24 h TTI group, had significantly less neuroinflammation as assessed by microglial and astrocyte activation. The novel mechanism of action and potential for expanding TTI in human AIS make elezanumab distinct from current acute reperfusion therapies, and support evaluation in clinical trials of acute CNS damage to determine optimal dose and TTI in humans. A: Ramified/resting astrocytes and microglia in a normal, uninjured rabbit brain. B: Rabbit pMCAO brain illustrating lesion on right side of brain (red), surrounded by penumbra (pink) during acute phase post stroke, with minimal injury to left brain hemisphere. Penumbra characterized by activated astrocytes and microglia (region in crosshair within circle), with upregulation of free and bound RGMa. C: Elezanumab binds to both free and bound RGMa, preventing full activation of astrocytes and microglia. D: Elezanumab is efficacious in rabbit pMCAO with a 4 × larger TTI window vs. tPA (6 vs. 1.5 h, respectively). In human AIS, tPA is approved for a TTI of 3-4.5 h. Elezanumab is currently being evaluated in a clinical Ph2 study of AIS to determine the optimal dose and TTI (NCT04309474). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mammary carcinomas have been diagnosed with increasing frequency in pet rabbits. Prognostic biomarkers are limited, and the only available treatment is surgical excision. Additional treatment options are needed, e.g., for animals in which metastases to internal organs preclude complete tumor removal. Human breast cancer may express the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), that represents a prognostic biomarker and a possible therapeutic target. Since previous studies revealed similarities between human breast cancer and pet rabbit mammary carcinomas, this study investigated IDO1 immunostaining in 96 mammary carcinomas of 96 pet rabbits with an average age of 5.5 years. All rabbits with reported sex were female. Variable percentages of IDO1-positive tumor cells were detected in 90 (94%) carcinomas. Furthermore, IDO1 immunostaining was observed in the secretory epithelial cells of the adjacent non-neoplastic mammary tissue. This study provides further information on the molecular features of mammary carcinomas in rabbits. It also shows similarities in IDO1 expression between rabbit mammary carcinomas and human breast cancer. These findings can have a mutual benefit. They could lead the development of novel treatment options for rabbits with mammary carcinomas. In addition, they further support the value of rabbits with mammary carcinomas for breast cancer research. For mammary carcinomas in pet rabbits, prognostic biomarkers are poorly defined, and treatment is limited to surgical excision. Additional treatment options are needed for rabbit patients for which surgery is not a suitable option. In human breast cancer, the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) represents a prognostic biomarker and possible therapeutic target. This retrospective immunohistochemical study examined IDO1 in 96 pet rabbit mammary carcinomas with known mitotic count, hormone receptor status, and percentage of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Tumors were obtained from 96 pet rabbits with an average of 5.5 years. All rabbits with reported sex (n = 88) were female or female-spayed. Of the carcinomas, 94% expressed IDO1, and 86% had sparse TILs consistent with cold tumors. Statistically significant correlations existed between a higher percentage of IDO1-positive tumor cells, lower mitotic counts, and increased estrogen receptor expression. The threshold for significance was IDO1 staining in >10% of tumor cells. These results lead to the assumption that IDO1 expression contributes to tumorigenesis and may represent a prognostic biomarker and possible therapeutic target also in pet rabbit mammary carcinomas. They also support the value of rabbits for breast cancer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytotoxicity mechanism of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2-NPs) has not been clarified to-date. Nevertheless, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ZrO2-NPs has been perceived as an important mechanism in some in vivo studies. Accordingly, this study was conducted to identify the potential effects of ZrO2-NPs on rabbit tooth gum cells as well as the mechanism/s of their cytotoxicity. Synthesized ZrO2-NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Cell viability, ROS level, lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), glutathione count (GSH/GSSG), lysosome damage and apoptosis/necrosis were evaluated. Biodistribution studies were conducted on tooth gum, liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues in the rabbit using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES). ZrO2-NPs increased ROS, MMP collapse and malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, GSH/GSSG and apoptosis/necrosis were found to be changed. The ZrO2-NPs accumulated significantly more on rabbit tooth gum tissues compared with other organs (p < 0.05). The study provided evidence that ZrO2-NPs cannot be considered completely biocompatible in the gum cell tissues of the rabbit. Before these nanoparticles can be used for human dental applications, further investigations on a wide range of cell death signaling should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Yeast peptides have garnered attention as valuable nutritional modifiers due to their potential health benefits. However, the precise mechanisms underlying their effects remain elusive. This study aims to explore the potential of yeast peptides, when added to diets, to mitigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced intestinal damage and microbiota alterations in rabbits. Methods: A total of 160 35-day-old Hyla line rabbits (0.96  ±  0.06  kg) were randomly assigned to 4 groups. These groups constituted a 2  ×  2 factorial arrangement: basal diet (CON), 100  mg/kg yeast peptide diet (YP), LPS challenge + basal diet (LPS), LPS challenge +100  mg/kg yeast peptide diet (L-YP). The experiment spanned 35  days, encompassing a 7-day pre-feeding period and a 28-day formal trial. Results: The results indicated that yeast peptides mitigated the intestinal barrier damage induced by LPS, as evidenced by a significant reduction in serum Diamine oxidase and D-lactic acid levels in rabbits in the L-YP group compared to the LPS group (p  <  0.05). Furthermore, in the jejunum, the L-YP group exhibited a significantly higher villus height compared to the LPS group (p  <  0.05). In comparison to the LPS group, the L-YP rabbits significantly upregulated the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin-1 and ZO-1 in the jejunum (p  <  0.05). Compared with the CON group, the YP group significantly reduced the levels of rabbit jejunal inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and decreased the relative mRNA expression of jejunal signaling pathway-associated inflammatory factors such as TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB and IL-1β (p  <  0.05). Additionally, notable changes in the hindgut also included the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) of the YP group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (p  <  0.05). 16S RNA sequencing revealed a substantial impact of yeast peptides on the composition of the cecal microbiota. Correlation analyses indicated potential associations of specific gut microbiota with jejunal inflammatory factors, tight junction proteins, and SCFA. Conclusion: In conclusion, yeast peptides have shown promise in mitigating LPS-induced intestinal barrier damage in rabbits through their anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of the gut microbiota, and maintenance of intestinal tight junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In recent years, some scholars in the field of tendon bone injury have attached stromal cell-derived factor 1 to tissue engineering scaffolds to promote tendon bone healing, and achieved good results. However, whether stromal cell-derived factor 1 promotes tendon bone healing mechanisms and participates in the repair of natural healing has not yet been defined. OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of stroma-cell derived factor 1 during tendon bone healing after rupture of the whole supraspinatus muscle of the rabbit rotator cuff and its migration effect and optimal in vitro migration promoting concentration on stem cells during tendon bone injury. METHODS: Totally 18 adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly selected to establish rotator cuff injury models, and an additional 3 rabbits were selected as blank controls. At 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after modeling, three rabbits were executed separately and the rabbits in the blank group were sacrificed. The tissues of tendon bone junction were taken and stored in a -80 ℃ refrigerator. The expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1 was detected by ELISA at each time point after injury. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from the bone marrow of young rabbit femur, cultured, and identified. Transwell assay was performed to verify the migration-promoting effect of stromal cell-derived factor 1 on stem cells and the optimal migration-promoting concentration in vitro. The stem cells cultured to P3 were co-cultured with BrdU and injected into the rabbit ear marginal vein, and immunohistochemical staining was used to verify whether the stem cells migrated to the injury site. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Stromal cell-derived factor 1 gene expression was bimodal during rotator cuff tendon bone healing. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 gene expression increased significantly at 3 days post-injury (P < 0.01) and then decreased, reaching a minimum at 5 days post-injury. It increased again and reached a peak 14 days after injury (P < 0.01) and then decreased. (2) Cell immunohistochemical staining displayed that stem cells labeled with BrdU did migrate to the injury site. (3) The results of the transwell experiment exhibited that 60-80 ng/mL stromal cell-derived factor 1 had the best effect on promoting migration of stem cells, while a concentration of 200 ng/mL inhibited migration. (4) Stromal cell-derived factor 1 is involved in the healing of rotator cuff tendon bone during the inflammatory response phase and the proliferation phase. The mechanism of action may be to promote the migration of stem cells to the injury and their differentiation into various types of cells to promote repair. In addition, the pro-migration effect of stromal cell-derived factor 1 exists at a range of concentrations, beyond which it may act as an inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly infectious, often fatal viral disease that affects both domestic and wild lagomorph species. In the United States (U.S.), the virus first was detected in wild lagomorph populations in the southwest in March 2020 and has continued to be detected in native North American lagomorph species over several years. The susceptibility of host species and exact mechanisms of environmental transmission across the U.S. landscape remain poorly understood. Our study aims to increase the understanding of RHDV2 in wild lagomorph populations by providing a history of detection. We present and summarize results from all RHDV2-suspect wild lagomorph morbidity and mortality samples submitted for diagnostic testing in the U.S. from March 2020 to March 2024. Samples were submitted from 916 wild lagomorphs across eight native North American species in 14 western states, of which 313 (34.2%) tested positive by RHDV2 RT-qPCR. Detections of RHDV2 in pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) and riparian brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) suggest that the risk to threatened and endangered species warrants more attention. Continuing to investigate wild lagomorph morbidity and mortality events and tracking RHDV2 detections over time can help inform on disease epidemiology and wild lagomorph population trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine antibiotic levels in plasma and interstitial fluid (ISF) after SC placement of compounded florfenicol (FF) calcium sulfate beads (CSBs) in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). ANIMALS 6 juvenile female rabbits (n = 5 treatment and 1 control). METHODS An ultrafiltration probe and CSBs were placed SC in 6 rabbits (n = 5 for FF CSBs and 1 for control CSBs). Plasma (3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and 7, 14, and 21 days) and ISF (daily for 21 days) samples were collected, and FF was measured by HPLC for pharmacokinetic analysis. Hematology, biochemistry, and histopathology were assessed. RESULTS Means ± SD for the area under the curve, maximum concentration, time of maximum concentration, terminal halflife, and mean residence time to the last data point for plasma and ISF were 16.63 ± 8.16 and 17,902 ± 7,564 h·μg/mL, 0.79 ± 0.38 and 245 ± 223 μg/mL, 2.90 ± 0.3 and 59 ± 40 hours, 30.81 ± 16.9 and 27.3 ± 9.39 hours, 23.4 ± 10 and 73.7 ± 13 hours, respectively. Plasma FF was < 2 μg/mL at all time points. The ISF FF remained > 8 μg/mL for 109.98 to 231.58 hours. One rabbit death occurred during treatment, but the cause of death was undetermined. Local tissue inflammation was present, but no clinically significant systemic adverse effects were found on hematology, biochemistry, or histopathology in the remaining rabbits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Florfenicol CSBs maintained antibiotic concentrations in ISF at levels likely to be effective against bacteria sensitive to > 8 μg/mL for 5 to 10 days while maintaining low (< 2 μg/mL) plasma levels. Florfenicol CSBs may be effective for local antibiotic treatment in rabbit abscesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and twenty New Zealand White rabbits (NZW) (5‐week‐old; 735.27 ± 27.23 g) were kept in an open‐sided house during the summer season. The experiment aims to evaluate the impacts of dried tomato pomace powder (DTPP) supplementation on rabbits' performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits, meat quality, and lipid and health indices of NZW rabbits during 5–13 weeks of age. The four treatments were a standard rabbit feed (control) and the control diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% DTPP, respectively. Rabbits fed a diet containing 1.5% DTPP showed the highest growth rate through weeks 9–13 of age despite having the lowest feed intake spanning 5–13 weeks. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in rabbits fed with 1.5% DTPP‐supplemented diet for 5–13 weeks. Diets supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0% DTPP enhanced markedly dressing %, total edible flesh, saturated (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) contents, as well as the ∑n − 6/∑n − 3 ratio and the total n − 6 of meat. Dietary supplementation with DTPP decreased kidney, abdominal, and back fat. Diets supplemented with DTTP decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low‐density lipoprotein (vLDL) concentrations. The greatest levels of linoleic acid, arachidonic and water‐holding capacity in meat were observed in rabbits fed 1.5% DTPP‐supplemented diets. Diets containing 1 and 1.5% DTPP improved meats' atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, meat lipid quality desired fatty acids/undesired fatty acids ratio, and meat health index. Conclusively, DTPP up to 1.5% maintained the growth performance of rabbits, boosted meat quality through increasing vitamin E, reduced fat deposition, modified fatty acid composition, and improved atherogenic, thrombogenic, and hypocholesterolemic indices of rabbit meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natural cases of prion disease have not been reported in rabbits, and prior attempts to identify a prion conversion agent have been unsuccessful. However, recent applications of prion seed amplifying experimental techniques have sparked renewed interest in the potential susceptibility of rabbits to prion disease infections. Among several factors related to prion disease, polymorphisms within the prion-like protein gene (PRND), a member of the prion protein family, have been reported as significantly associated with disease susceptibility in various species. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate polymorphisms in the PRND gene of rabbits and analyze their genetic characteristics. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 207 rabbit samples to investigate leporine PRND polymorphisms. Subsequently, amplicon sequencing targeting the coding region of the leporine PRND gene was conducted. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was employed to assess the connection within and between loci. The impact of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the Doppel protein was evaluated using PolyPhen-2. Results: We found nine novel SNPs in the leporine PRND gene: c.18A  >  G, c.76G  >  C, c.128C  >  T, c.146C  >  T, c.315A  >  G, c.488G  >  A, c.525G  >  C, c.544G  >  A, and c.579A  >  G. Notably, seven of these PRND SNPs, excluding c.525G  >  C and c.579A  >  G, exhibited strong LD values exceeding 0.3. In addition, LD analysis confirmed a robust link between PRNP SNP c.234C  >  T and PRND SNPs at c.525G  >  C and c.579A  >  G. Furthermore, according to PolyPhen-2 and SIFT analyses, the four non-synonymous SNPs were predicted to have deleterious effects on the function or structure of the Doppel protein. However, PANTHER and Missense3D did not indicate such effects. Conclusion: In this paper, we have identified novel SNPs in the rabbit PRND gene and predicted their potential detrimental effects on protein function or structure through four non-synonymous SNPs. Additionally, we observed a genetic linkage between SNPs in the PRND and PRNP genes. These findings may provide insights into understanding the characteristics of rabbits as partially resistant species. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to genetically characterize PRND SNPs in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Ponseti method is the first choice for congenital clubfoot with the possibilities of transverse tenotomy being underexplored in repair of the Achilles tendon in pediatric patients. The objective was to identify specific features of the Achilles tendon repair after experimental transverse intersection and preserved peritenon, vessels and nerves of growing rabbits. Material and methods The experimental study included 20 Chinchilla rabbits of both sexes aged 1.0–1.5 months used as a biomodel with a weight of 1476.0 ± 114.3 g. Rabbits were sacrificed in groups of five by air embolism under local anesthesia at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days of surgery. Results The tendon defect zone was represented by small areas of dense fibrous scar tissue with some cellular fibroblasts, and tendon fibers of unremarkable architectonics arranged in a mutually parallel waves could be seen in the layers of connective tissue at 90 days. The thickness of the first-order collagen fibers increased to 8.9 ± 1.32 μm and comparison with the normal value of 9.2 ± 1.88 μm showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.38). The thickness of the second-order collagen fibers increased to 28.1 ± 1.28 μm during the time, and comparison with the standard measurements of 28.3 ± 2.23 μm demonstrated no statistically significant difference (p = 0.64). Discussion According to the literature, the ability of the tenoblast to synthesize structural proteins and regulatory biomolecules after injury decreases with age and leads to fibrous restoration of the tendon and formation of a permanent scar. Our study on growing rabbits showed that the organotypic structure of the experimental tendon restored at the intersection site at 60 days with the Achilles tendon defect being represented by the tendon-like tissue at 90 days. Conclusion The Achilles tendon was shown to regenerate in optimal conditions after the dissection and preservation of the peritenon, vessels and nerves with tendon tissue being formed within a short time (3 months after the intervention) being identical to the original.

Abstract Rabbit bucks (bodyweight 5 kg) underwent dietary intoxication with fumonisin B series mycotoxins (FB1 + FB2 + FB3, 15 mg/kg diet) for 14 days to test the applicability of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET MR) hybrid imaging in characterizing experimentally induced mild hepatotoxicosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) radiotracer-aided imaging was performed before and after FBs administration on identical animals, and at both time points, blood was sampled for haematology and clinical chemistry. Kinetic PET image analysis revealed time-activity curves with uptake maxima below 1 min in the liver, renal cortex, portal vein, lung and coarctatio aortae. In the frame of static PET image analysis, based on the standardized uptake value (SUV), the so-called metabolic liver volume (MLV, liver volume defined by over 0.9 × average liver SUV) and the total liver glycolysis (TLG, MLV multiplied by the SUVmean) were calculated. Mycotoxicosis increased total liver glycolysis (p

This research investigated how supplementing growing rabbits with zinc oxide nanoparticles (Nano-ZnO) and selenium nanoparticles (Nano-Se) impacts their growth performance, digestibility, blood biochemistry, and liver mineral content. The study utilised 40 male and 40 female New Zealand White rabbits, all 30 days old, with an average weight of 720 ± 6 g. Rabbits were divided into four treatment diets with 10 replicates of two rabbits each (one male and one female) for 60 days. The diets comprised of 1) control diet, 2) control diet + 40 mg/kg Nano-ZnO, 3) control diet + 0.6 mg/kg Nano-Se, and 4) control diet + 40 mg/kg Nano-ZnO + 0.6 mg/kg Nano-Se. Results showed that dietary Nano-ZnO and Nano-Se in single or combination improved (p

In Italy, the use of autogenous inactivated vaccines prepared with the bacterial strains isolated from affected animals is authorized by the Ministry of Health in farms where bacterial diseases occur frequently. The autogenous vaccine performed using Pasteurella multocida is frequently used in rabbit farms, but the feedback of its application is not available. Therefore, the aim of this study is to give information about the impact on the clinical signs of a bivalent autogenous vaccine in rabbits of a genetic centre. The vaccine was prepared using two P. multocida strains belonging to serogroups A and F, equipped with virulence genes and responsible for cyclical outbreak of pasteurellosis in the farm. The vaccine was administered with a first injection, followed by another one after 15 days, then another one four months after the first injection, and then continuing with a further injection every six months to all rabbits. Clinical conditions and mortality rates were monitored for two years after the first vaccination. The improvement in clinical condition and the decrease of the mortality rate were significant especially in the first year post-vaccine. In addition, the number of animals removed due to the disease decreased greatly. Based on the finding of P. multocida strains belonging to serogroup D and serogroup A equipped with different virulence-gene patterns from those previously found, we suggest that the vaccine was unable to prevent the introduction and spreading of new strains among the rabbits.

Objective: To study the impact of Gx on quantification of hepatic fat contents under metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) imaged on VIBE Dixon in hepatobiliary specific phase. Methods: Forty-two rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) and high-fat diet group (n = 32). Imaging was performed before enhancement (Pre-Gx) and at the 13th (Post-Gx13) and 17th (Post-Gx17) min after Gx enhancement with 2E- and 6E-VIBE Dixon to determine hepatic proton density fat fractions (PDFF). PDFFs were compared with vacuole percentage (VP) measured under histopathology. Results: 33 animals were evaluated and including control group (n = 11) and MASLD group (n = 22). Pre-Gx, Post-Gx13, Post-Gx17 PDFFs under 6E-VIBE Dixon had strong correlations with VPs (r2 = 0.8208—0.8536). PDFFs under 2E-VIBE Dixon were reduced significantly (P < 0.001) after enhancement (r2 = 0.7991/0.8014) compared with that before enhancement (r2 = 0.7643). There was no significant difference between PDFFs of Post-Gx13 and Post-Gx17 (P = 0.123) for which the highest consistency being found with 6E-VIBE Dixon before enhancement (r2 = 0.8536). The signal intensity of the precontrast compared with the postcontrast, water image under 2E-VIBE Dixon increased significantly (P < 0.001), fat image showed no significant difference (P = 0.754). Conclusion: 2E- and 6E-VIBE Dixon can obtain accurate PDFFs in the hepatobiliary specific phase from 13 to 17th min after Gx enhancement. On 2E-VIBE Dixon (FA = 10°), effective minimization of T1 Bias by the Gx administration markedly improved the accuracy of the hepatic PDFF quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), used to treat various diseases, are also doping substances for athletes to improve their sportive performance. The aim of this study is to evaluate some serum biochemical parameters in New Zealand rabbits treated with long-term Testosterone Undecanoate (TU). Materials and Methods: In the present study, 21 male New Zealand rabbits aged 5-6 weeks were divided into 3 groups; control, castor oil group, and TU group (in which TU was diluted in castor oil). In the Castor oil and TU diluted in castor oil (10 mg/kg) were injected intramuscularly in 0.1 ml for 6 weeks, 5 days a week in the related groups. Results: The results of the study, in which a total of 22 biochemical parameters were evaluated, showed that aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, uric acid, phosphate, potassium, sodium, calcium, and glucose levels were statistically significantly higher in the TU group than in the control and castor oil groups, and high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in the other groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be stated that TU administration may adversely affect serum biochemistry in New Zealand rabbits and multidisciplinary studies with different testosterone analogues should be performed.

Background: Healing of bum wounds is a commonly associated with many complications. Every year various new repair materials are developed and experimentally used for treating burn wounds. Humans with diabetes mellitus usually suffer from chronic wound healing. Vascular, neuropathic, immune function, and biochemical abnormalities each contribute to the altered tissue repair. One underlying factor that accompanies all diabetic ulcerations is poor vascular flow, a circumstance that impedes proper wound healing. Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of adequate vascular sufficiency and vessel proliferation in tissue repair and the lack thereof in diabetic wound healing. Other studies have looked at whether disarrayed capillary remodeling and maturation of vessels might play a role in impaired diabetic wound healing. Aim: This investigation has been planned to report the influence of treatment with a mixture of both the powder of pomegranate peel accompanied with an autologous bone marrow on cure of burn injuries in experimentally induced diabetic rabbits. Methods: Alloxan monohydrate has been applied to create diabetes in 50 rabbits. Then in each rabbit, two deep second-degree burn wounds were experimentally created. The animals were then divided randomly into 5 treatment sections: non-treatment controls (C1), treated with an available commercial powder for wound (C2), treatment with powder of pomegranate peel (PP), treatment with bone marrow alone (BM), and final group treated with PP powder with bone marrow (PPBM). The speed of wound closure and the histopathological changes during healing were measured. The levels of the biomarkers of rabbit platelet derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) and rabbit protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) were measured on days 0, 4, 8 and 12. Results: Wounds healing was markedly more rapid in all the treatment groups versus the control non-treated group. Interestingly, a rapid wound cure was significantly observed in PPBM group versus the other treatment ones. The histological assessment clarified a significant elevation in the fibroblast and collagen scores in PPBM group versus the other sections. In addition, there were significant increases in the serum levels of the biomarkers PDGF-AA and PAR-1 among groups. Conclusion: Dependent on the results of current research, it can be concluded that both PP powder with BM (PPBM) significantly accelerate healing process of burn wounds in experimentally induced diabetic rabbits. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(6.000): 1358-1369]

Background and Aim: Staphylococci, which inhabit skin and mucous membranes in humans and animals, are opportunistic pathogens. Coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the two main groups. Clinical abscesses in rabbits often harbor Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS. This study estimated S. aureus and CoNS prevalence, resistance profiles, antimicrobial-resistant genes, and the accessory gene regulator (agr) group in rabbit clinical abscesses. Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven abscesses were gathered from 67 rabbits who visited Prasu-Arthorn Animal Hospital in Nakornpathom, Thailand, from January 2014 to October 2015. Thirty-four subcutaneous, 29 dental, 2 ocular, 1 mammary gland, and 1 uterine abscess were present. Conventional methods, including Gram staining, mannitol fermentation, hemolysis on blood agar, catalase testing, and coagulase production, identified and isolated S. aureus and CoNS from all abscesses. All S. aureus and CoNS isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of blaZ, aacA-aphD, msrA, tetK, gyrA, grlA, dfrG, and cfr antimicrobial-resistant genes. Methicillin resistance was identified through the detection of a cefoxitin-resistant phenotype and the presence of mecA gene. Further investigation was conducted on the agr group of S. aureus isolates. Results: In 67 abscesses, we found 19 S. aureus isolates in 9 abscesses (13.43%) and 37 CoNS isolates in 18 abscesses (26.87%), both majorly located at subcutaneous sites. About 59.46% of CoNS isolates were methicillin-resistant compared to 5.26% of S. aureus isolates. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) both displayed multidrug resistance (MDR). Both MRSA and MRCoNS expressed multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, including blaZ, aacA-aphD, gyrA, grlA, msrA, tetK, and dfrG. Approximately 73.68% of the agr groups were agr I, 15.79% were agr III, and 10.53% were agr II. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of MRCoNS with antimicrobial resistance and multiple antimicrobial-resistant genes in rabbits with clinical abscesses. The effectiveness of antibiotics against infections caused by such strains is a matter of concern. Owners should be educated about the importance of good hygiene practices and judicious antibiotic use to prevent widespread antimicrobial resistance.

In the European Union (EU), organic rabbit farming (ORF) remains uncommon (≈50 farms), found mainly in France, and to a much lesser extent in Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Italy. As rabbits are herbivorous, ORF is based mainly on grazing. This review summarises information on the functioning and performance of rabbit farming systems in France, with organic certification and/or access to pasture. Recent studies have quantified the grass intake (30 to 80 g dry matter/d/rabbit) and growth rate of rabbits on pasture (15 to 30 g/d). ORF has an extensive production cycle with a mean of 2.7 parturitions per doe and per year. The main concerns for the farmers developing ORF include available land and managing health and feeding. However, in France, a herd with 40 does on 4 ha (of pastures and complementary crops), can provide a halftime minimum salary. Since January 2022, a new regulation on ORF is applied for all EU member countries that recommends a maximum use of pasture but nevertheless allows farmers to keep a herd with 40 does on only 200 m² of pasture. It also does not require rotating rabbits on the pasture between batches of animals, wich increases the risk of parasitism. A smartphone application (GAELA) was recently developed to assist with daily management of rabbit farming, and to build a database of technical benchmarks to support the development of organic and pastured rabbit farming in France.

Aspergillus fumigatus is commonly found in the airway and is associated with airway inflammatory diseases. Zinc oxide (ZO) is known to be an essential microelement that facilitates fungal survival, growth, and proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ZO on A. fumigatus-induced fungal sinusitis in rabbits. Twenty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups for this study. Group 1 (6 sides) was treated with intramaxillary phosphate buffer saline (PBS) served as the negative control, Group 2 (6 sides) received intramaxillary PBS and ZO, Group 3 (8 sides) was treated with intramaxillary A. fumigatus alone, and Group 4 (8 sides) treated with intramaxillary A. fumigatus with ZO. After 4 and 12 weeks, sinus mucosal cytokine and transcription factor expressions were determined. A histological analysis was performed to determine inflammatory cell infiltration, number of secretory cells, and mucosal thickness. Fungal biofilm formation was determined using confocal laser microscopy. The intramaxillary instillation of A. fumigatus conidia led to an increase in protein and mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 in the maxillary sinus mucosa. They were associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase and activator protein-1. Furthermore, intramaxillary instillation of fungal conidia resulted in significant enhancement of inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelial thickening, and fungal biofilm formation. However, intramaxillary ZO did not have a significant impact on A. fumigatus-induced cytokine protein and mRNA expression, and inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial thickness in sinonasal mucosa. While intramaxillary instillation of A. fumigatus increased mucosal inflammation, cytokine production, and biofilm formation, the intramaxillary application of ZO did not have a significant influence on inflammation in the maxillary sinus mucosa.

Abstract Background While rabbits are used as models in skin irritation tests, the presence of irregular patches and thickening on the dorsal skin can affect precise evaluation. In this study, genes associated with patchiness or non-patchiness on the dorsal skin of New Zealand rabbits were investigated to identify potential regulators of the patchiness phenotype. Results The results showed that parameters associated with hair follicles (HFs), such as HF density, skin thickness, and HF depth, were augmented in rabbits with the patchiness phenotype relative to the non-patchiness phenotype. A total of 592 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the two groups using RNA-sequencing. These included KRT72, KRT82, KRT85, FUT8, SOX9, and WNT5B. The functions of the DEGs were investigated by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. A candidate gene, KRT82, was selected for further molecular function verification. There was a significant positive correlation between KRT82 expression and HF-related parameters, and KRT82 overexpression and knockdown experiments with rabbit dermal papilla cells (DPCs) showed that it regulated genes related to skin and HF growth and development. Investigation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exons and promoter region of KRT82 identified four SNPs in the promoter region but none in the exons. The G.-631G > T, T.-696T > C, G.-770G > T and A.-873 A > C alleles conformed to the Hardy − Weinberg equilibrium, and three identified haplotypes showed linkage disequilibrium. Luciferase reporter assays showed that the core promoter region of KRT82 was located in the − 600 to − 1200 segment, in which the four SNPs were located. Conclusions The morphological characteristics of the patchiness phenotype were analyzed in New Zealand rabbits and DEGs associated with this phenotype were identified by RNA-sequencing. The biological functions of the gene KRT82 associated with this phenotype were analyzed, and four SNPs were identified in the promoter region of the gene. These findings suggest that KRT82 may be a potential biomarker for the breeding of experimental New Zealand rabbits.

Abstract Background Gamithromycin is an effective therapy for bovine and swine respiratory diseases but not utilized for rabbits. Given its potent activity against respiratory pathogens, we sought to determine the pharmacokinetic profiles, antimicrobial activity and target pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) exposures associated with therapeutic effect of gamithromycin against Pasteurella multocida in rabbits. Results Gamithromycin showed favorable PK properties in rabbits, including high subcutaneous bioavailability (86.7 ± 10.7%) and low plasma protein binding (18.5–31.9%). PK analysis identified a mean plasma peak concentration (Cmax) of 1.64 ± 0.86 mg/L and terminal half-life (T1/2) of 31.5 ± 5.74 h after subcutaneous injection. For P. multocida, short post-antibiotic effects (PAE) (1.1–5.3 h) and post-antibiotic sub-inhibitory concentration effects (PA-SME) (6.6–9.1 h) were observed after exposure to gamithromycin at 1 to 4× minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Gamithromycin demonstrated concentration-dependent bactericidal activity and the PK/PD index area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h (AUC24h)/MIC correlated well with efficacy (R2 > 0.99). The plasma AUC24h/MIC ratios of gamithromycin associated with the bacteriostatic, bactericidal and bacterial eradication against P. multocida were 15.4, 24.9 and 27.8 h in rabbits, respectively. Conclusions Subcutaneous administration of 6 mg/kg gamithromycin reached therapeutic concentrations in rabbit plasma against P. multocida. The PK/PD ratios determined herein in combination with ex vivo activity and favorable rabbit PK indicate that gamithromycin may be used for the treatment of rabbit pasteurellosis.

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are frequently caused by several circumstances, including trauma and iatrogenic operations, and there are limited therapy options to help with functional recovery. This study aimed to compare in vivo adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) to chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) in rabbit sciatic nerve defect regeneration. Twenty healthy rabbits of local breed randomly enrolled in two equal groups split into two groups at random: The critical size defect was bridged with a 14 mm conduit from acellular bovine urinary bladder impacted with chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) semi-gel 1mg/ml as the first group, and the critical size defect was bridged with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) 5x106 in the second group. At the end of 56 and 112 days, assessment of the nerve regeneration, motor and sensory function, and histopathological assessment of the sciatic nerve were investigated. According to the findings, the motor and sensory capabilities of the sciatic nerve increased faster in the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) group. In the mesenchymal stem cells group repairing a 10mm sciatic nerve defect, histopathological examination revealed basophilic nuclei of proliferated Schwann cells with thick myelin sheath, suitable orientation nerve fibers, dense axon population, large axon diameter, nerve fiber myelination, and low fibrous tissue at the epineurium compared to chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs). It is concluded that effect mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote regeneration of the sciatic nerve defect compared to chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs).

Abstract Background Rotator cuff (RC) tears are a common cause of shoulder dysfunction and pain, posing significant challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Grafts have been proposed as a solution to augment or bridge torn tendons, but optimal clinical outcomes are not always achieved due to poor graft integration, suboptimal mechanical properties, and immunological reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical, CT and histological results of RC reconstruction using an intrasynovial tendon autograft, in a chronic large tear subscapularis rabbit model. Methods Twenty-six adult male Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Large defects in the subscapularis tendons were produced bilaterally in 20 rabbits. After 6 weeks, secondary procedures were performed to the right shoulder of the rabbits, which were reconstructed with an intrasynovial interposition autograft (graft group). The left shoulder did not undergo any further treatment (defect group). The specimens were randomly divided into two equal time groups and underwent biomechanical testing, CT analysis, and histological evaluation at 6, and 12 weeks after reconstruction. In addition, 6 rabbits that were not operated, were used as a control group. Results At 12 weeks post-repair, the graft group exhibited a significant increase in ultimate failure load compared to the defect group (p

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important opportunistic pathogens in humans and animals. Natural antibacterial compounds like propolis are the best substitute for antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Ethanolic extract of propolis, propolis nanoemulsion, and their combinations with ciprofloxacin in the treatment of experimental wound infection contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in rabbits. Propolis was obtained from a different region of Western Azerbaijan in the year 2018. Then the ethanol extract of propolis was prepared. And so, nanoemulsion of propolis was prepared. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the MIC of propolis and propolis nanoemulsion on P. aeruginosa. 28 rabbits used in 7 groups: Negative control (CO), Tween 20 (T), extract of propolis (P), nanoemulsion of propolis (NP), ciprofloxacin (C), ciprofloxacin+ extract of propolis (C + P), ciprofloxacin + nanoemulsion of propolis (C + NP). Full-thickness skin wound was created under general anesthesia and bacterial suspension (108 CFU/ml) was inoculated to each wound site. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics and Superficial bacterial load of wounds were studied on days 7, 14, and 21. The number of bacteria in treatment groups was significantly lower than in negative control groups (p < 0.05). The macroscopic evaluation of wounds showed that C+P and C+NP enhanced wound closure in comparison with the negative control group and ciprofloxacin (p < 0.05). Histopathology assessment of the wound showed that the combination of C+P, and C+NP had a better and faster healing effect than the other groups, however, its difference was significant only when compared to CO, C, and T groups (p < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that a combination of ciprofloxacin + ethanolic extract of propolis and ciprofloxacin + propolis nanoemulsion had better therapeutic effects than either agent alone.

Simple Summary: The study focuses on the shadow of prion protein (Sho) encoded by the shadow of prion protein gene (SPRN), which associates with PrP and promotes the progression of prion diseases. While genetic polymorphisms in SPRN are linked to susceptibility in several species, rabbit SPRN gene polymorphisms have not been extensively studied. Through amplicon sequencing, we identified novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the rabbit SPRN gene and found strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) between them. However, strong LD was not observed between polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PRNP) and SPRN genes in rabbits. Comparison of amino acid sequences revealed differences in SPRN between rabbits and other species susceptible or resistant to prion diseases. This study represents the first examination of genetic features of the rabbit SPRN gene. Prion disorders are fatal infectious diseases that are caused by a buildup of pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) in susceptible mammals. According to new findings, the shadow of prion protein (Sho) encoded by the shadow of prion protein gene (SPRN) is associated with prion protein (PrP), promoting the progression of prion diseases. Although genetic polymorphisms in SPRN are associated with susceptibility to several prion diseases, genetic polymorphisms in the rabbit SPRN gene have not been investigated in depth. We discovered two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leporine SPRN gene on chromosome 18 and found strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) between them. Additionally, strong LD was not found between the polymorphisms of PRNP and SPRN genes in rabbits. Furthermore, nonsynonymous SNPs that alter the amino acid sequences within the open reading frame (ORF) of SPRN have been observed in prion disease-susceptible animals, but this is the first report in rabbits. As far as we are aware, this study represents the first examination of the genetic features of the rabbit SPRN gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) envenomation is a medical emergency encountered in the Southeastern United States. The venom contains a snake venom thrombin-like enzyme (SVTLE) that is defibrinogenating, causing coagulopathy without effects on platelets in humans. This investigation utilized thrombelastographic methods to document this coagulopathy kinetically on the molecular level in a rabbit model of envenomation via the analyses of whole blood samples without and with platelet inhibition. Subsequently, the administration of a novel ruthenium compound containing site-directed antivenom abrogated the coagulopathic effects of envenomation in whole blood without platelet inhibition and significantly diminished loss of coagulation in platelet-inhibited samples. This investigation provides coagulation kinetic insights into the molecular interactions and results of SVTLE on fibrinogen-dependent coagulation and confirmation of the efficacy of a ruthenium antivenom. These results serve as a rationale to investigate the coagulopathic effects of other venoms with this model and assess the efficacy of this site-directed antivenom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]